Innholdsfortegnelse for 2/20/2020 i You South Africa

I LOVE a board game. Any excuse to play Scrabble or Bananagrams, Pictionary or Trivial Pursuit and I’m there. The problem is finding someone to play with me. My husband hates them, spoilsport that he is, and my children are off doing their own thing most of the time. My mom was my greatest Scrabble companion but she’s gone to play board games in the sky and is probably letting my dad win now that they’re reunited again – he always was a terrible loser. Being such a game fan is why I enjoyed our story about loadshedding on page 10 so much. I know that “enjoy” and “loadshedding” usually don’t belong in the same sentence. But in this case, the parents tell how they gather around a board game…

The comments about Harry and Meghan are obviously coming from people who’ve never been discriminated against (YOU Say, 6 February). It’s emotionally draining to feel constantly that you’re an outsider and never good enough and don’t know where you really belong. I’m surprised Meghan hasn’t been diagnosed with severe depression. Put yourself in a situation where you aren’t accepted and let’s see how you handle it. It puts severe pressure on your marriage and family. Let’s give them a chance to build their lives. It might even improve their relationship with the royal family. NO JUDGMENT, EMAIL ■ It seems the negativity surrounding Meghan, especially in the British media, has escalated. It must be traumatic to face such a continuous barrage and I applaud Prince Harry for taking a stand…

When it comes to putting a positive spin on loadshedding, the onus is on parents to take the lead, say Colleen Wilson and Candice Dick of Durban-based organisations Contemporary Parenting and EQ Evolution. “We lead, and they’ll follow. If parents can turn the frustration of power cuts into something that’s to be tackled together as a team, then bonding may begin.” GAME TIME! “It’s no secret kids are struggling more and more with reading and writing in this era of technology,” says Cape Town-based child psychologist Nicolette Liddell. “Invest in board games that will improve their literacy or general knowledge, such as Scrabble or Trivial Pursuit, and will also be tons of fun for everyone,” she suggests. TALK, TALK, TALK Make a conversation jar. Each member of the family can…

HOW do you raise healthy, happy kids who feel at home in the world? Read all the parenting bestsellers, spend hours ferrying them from one extramural to the next, buy them the latest educational toys and gadgets? None of the above. Child experts Daniel J Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson say all you have to do is be there for them. In this extract from their new book, The Power of Showing Up, they tell you why. TAKE a moment and imagine a day in the future when your child, now an adult, looks back and talks about what it was like having you as a parent. Maybe he’s talking to a spouse, or a friend, or a therapist – someone he can be brutally honest with. Perhaps he’s holding…

COOKERY writer and TV personality Errieda du Toit pays tribute to those humble recipe booklets that over the years have formed the heart of countless community fundraisers. She went through 150 of them, published over the past 100 years. The recipes in Share are flop-proof and tell the story of SA food. CARPETBAGGER STEAK This dish is still as popular as when it was included in 1987’s Uit die Haard van Citrusdal (“from the hearth of Citrusdal”). The fundraising effort was so successful that the profits from each reprint could be ploughed back into a new worthy project. SERVES 6 PREPARATION: 30 MIN COOKING: 4-6 MIN A SIDE PARSLEY BUTTER 60g butter 30ml (2T) chopped fresh parsley lemon juice Worcester sauce STEAK 15g butter, at room temperature 1 small onion,…

Preppy DAY NIGHT WEEKEND Romantic DAY NIGHT WEEKEND Simple chic DAY NIGHT WEEKEND Sports luxe DAY NIGHT WEEKEND STOCKISTS COTTON ON 011-784-0218; EDGARS 0800-203-925; MILADYS 0800-310-290; MRP 0800-21-25-35; POETRY 021-419-0020; QUEENSPARK 021-460-9400; SUPERBALIST.COM; TRUWORTHS 021-460-2300; WOOL-WORTHS 0860-022-002; YDE 021-460-2800; ZARA 011-302-1500. WE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO PROVIDE ACCURATE PRICES BUT MISTAKES MAY OCCUR. YOU AND THE SUPPLIERS DO NOT BIND THEMSELVES TO THE PRICES PRINTED HERE.…

■ If your hair is already dry and damaged, you’ll have to get it healthy before colouring it, advises Peter Matlala from Lucy’s Hair Salon in Sandton. If you colour your hair while it’s in a poor state, it’ll break and fall out. ■ Box colours bought from the shops won’t work if you want to go lighter because the process may be a bit complicated depending on your natural hair colour. Rather visit the salon. ■ Don’t wash your hair before a dyeing session. The natural oils and products on your hair act as a buffer between your scalp and the chemicals applied. ■ “Use colour-preserving products to maintain your hair and avoid heat as much as possible,” Matlala advises. ■ If you must apply heat, do so at…

‘I want to make timeless music. I want my music to be played in 100 years’ MIXING IT UP “I grew up outside of Paris, like in a pretty bad area,” DJ Snake says of his upbringing in the immigrant neighbourhood of Ermont in the French capital. The Turn Down for What hitmaker, real name William Sami Étienne Grigahcine, credits this melting pot for exposing him to a mix of genres, an experience that’s been instrumental in his success as both a DJ and music producer. “We all grew up together and you can tell . . . on my music there was reggae, there was Indian music. You have music from Brazil. From everywhere. My mom’s Arab. My dad’s French. So I’m a mix and my sound is just…

THE STARLESS SEA By ERIN MORGENSTERN  Doubleday Zachary Ezra Rawlins is bewildered to find a story from his own childhood amid other strange tales in a mysterious book he borrows from his varsity library. By following clues on the cover – a bee, key and sword – he finds this way through a secret doorway to an ancient library hidden far beneath Earth. When this magical realm comes under threat the pressure is on for Zachary to navigate his way through crowded ballrooms and twisting tunnels to find the end of his story – in so doing he’ll not only resolve the plot of the intriguing book but also find his own life’s purpose.…

TWO boys aimlessly wander the streets of Cape Town. By day they beg for food and get themselves into all kinds of trouble and at night they sleep on the pavement because there’s nowhere else to go. Their future seems totally hopeless but then one day, out of the blue, they’re given the chance to escape their desperate circumstances – and they grab it with both hands. Next thing they’re jetting around the world as the stars of a travelling circus, performing for the likes of former US president Barack Obama and tennis ace Roger Federer. Jacobus “Trompie” Claassen (27) and Phelelani “Ree” Ndakrokra (25) are living proof that lucky breaks do happen. Joining the world-renowned Zip Zap Circus, a non-profit organisation that helps disadvantaged kids find purpose in life…

STEPPING into the triple-storey La Lucia mansion near Durban is like walking into a showroom of glitz and dazzle. An enormous glass chandelier hangs from the ceiling in the foyer, which is flanked by glass balustrades leading to two sets of stairs. Each room has its own theme and features custom-made furniture and plush rugs spread across expansive floors. In one wing is an entertainment pad kitted out with a home theatre with cinema-style seats while another wing is home to a fleet of luxury vehicles. Welcome to the home of Shauwn Mkhize, one of Durban’s most high-profile businesswomen. She shares the space with her two children, Sbahle (26) and Andile (18), after splitting from her businessman husband, Sbu Mpisane. Shauwn and the kids are the talk of the town…

For more than a decade he’s entertained viewers as the conniving David Genaro in Rhythm City, immersing himself so much in the role that he designed the character’s tattoos and often rewrote the script. Now veteran actor JAMIE BARTLETT (53) is retiring from the popular soap and taking a break from showbiz to reflect and spend some time on himself. “I had absolute fun,” Jamie said in a radio interview. “Genaro colonised every single corner of my body. It’s the most unbelievable character to play. There were times that I had to see the doctors after shooting due to the intensity of the scenes.” It’s by no means the end of his acting career and he’ll also be focusing his attention on Finishing College, an institution he established that offers…

At least a thousand men, women and children died on South African roads again in January as President Cyril Ramaphosa ignored demands to introduce the same lifesaving measures now in place in countries that protect the lives of road users. When will South Africans demand action to end the daily bloodshed as other countries have done? RICHARD BENSON, ROAD SAFETY ACTION CAMPAIGN It’s so wonderful to see such natural beauty in a mini pageant queen. Olwethu Mhlongo (YOU, 23 January), you’re going to shine. I think you’re just gorgeous! GOGO JOY, SMS Yesterday I received the YOU Crossword Dictionary. What a wonderful way to start the day. It just goes to show that you must never give up trying. It could happen to you one day. Many thanks. TOM McMURRAY,…

HE’S 1,85m of pure beefcake, takes his dog with him wherever he goes and is an unapologetic mommy’s boy. Meet Marc Buckner, the hunk whose heart contestants will vie for in the second season of The Bachelor South Africa. And really, what’s not to love? The kind eyes, the designer beard, the gasp-worthy biceps, the six-pack you could bounce a R5 coin off . . . Pure dish with a capital D. South Africans were introduced to the 37-year-old model and property entrepreneur on 13 February – just in time for Valentine’s Day. And the scene was set for 16 weeks of dates and drama as 22 contestants try to be the last woman to receive a rose from the country’s most eligible on-screen bachelor. But how on earth is…

THERE were so many highlights at this year’s Academy Awards – Brad Pitt winning his first Oscar for acting, Laura Dern’s emotional speech as she bagged best supporting actress, Martin Scorsese nodding off during Eminem’s performance . . . But it was a man who only recently burst onto the mainstream scene who upstaged them all. The expression on director Bong Joonho’s face as he scooped not one but four Oscars, including the big one for best picture, was priceless. “I want someone to look at me like Bong Joon-ho looks at his Oscar,” a film buff joked on Twitter. The South Korean director had good reason to look astonished. Before the event even he had to admit that Parasite, his dark anti-capitalist satire with a cast unknown to American…

1Feeling safe This is the first step toward a secure attachment, since a parent’s first job is to keep his or her kids safe. Kids need to feel and know that they’re safe. They have to believe that their parents are going to protect them – not only from physical harm but also keep them safe emotionally. Make a commitment that you won’t be the source of fear in your home. Even when parents don’t commit physical violence against their children, they can humiliate, shame or yell at them, or use strategies to deliberately frighten them for the sake of discipline or eliciting cooperation. In all these cases, parents may be unintentionally chipping away at their child’s ability to feel settled and safe. This doesn’t mean adults can’t ever make…

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE SERVES 20 PREPARATION: 25 MIN COOKING: ABOUT 40 MIN 440g butter 500ml (2c) castor sugar 8 eggs 500ml (2c) self-raising flour 10ml (2t) baking powder 80 ml (¹/3c) cocoa powder 160ml (²/3c) milk ICING 240g milk chocolate 240g dark chocolate 500ml (2c) long-life cream 120g butter CHOCOLATE BARK 450g white chocolate 100g dried cranberries 30ml (2T) black sesame seeds 60ml (¼c) pumpkin seeds Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line two 20cm cake tins, a 15cm cake tin and a baking sheet with baking paper. Grease with nonstick spray. 1 Beat the butter and sugar in a bowl until pale and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating each in until combined. 2 Sift the flour, baking powder and cocoa powder into a separate bowl. Add…

DRESS UP KEEP IT CASUAL STOCKISTS BAMBOOREVOLUTION.WORLD; COTTON ON 011-784-0218; MRP 0800-21-25-35; RAGE 011-608-6800; SUPERBALIST.COM; TRUWORTHS 021-460-2300; WOOLWORTHS 0860-022-002; YDE 021-460-2800; ZARA 011-302-1500 WE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO PROVIDE ACCURATE PRICES BUT MISTAKES MAY OCCUR. YOU AND THE SUPPLIERS DO NOT BIND THEMSELVES TO THE PRICES PRINTED HERE.…

Here’s hair expert Peter Matlala’s quick guide on the different shades of blonde for different skin tones. ■ Honey, brownish and golden blondes work well on people with medium and dark skin tones because the hair colour isn’t too harsh against their skin tone. ■ Ash blonde with dark undertones works for dark and medium skin tones as well. The dark undertones help the skin and hair to blend. Ash blonde with pink, yellow and orange undertones works for lighter skin tones as they add warmth. ■ Strawberry blonde works for lighter skin tones because the undertones add warmth to the skin.…

I’M IN PAIN WITHOUT ANY HOPE OF RELIEF Q I started experiencing extreme pain in my mouth in 2006. It felt like a burning sensation in my mouth and on my tongue. I sought professional help and was prescribed medication to help me relax, to treat my depression and to help me sleep at night as I was battling insomnia. I’m still experiencing the pain in my mouth but my family think I’m just being dramatic and trying to get attention, which isn’t true. The pain is real and often has me in tears. I feel like killing myself as I can no longer live with the pain. I’ve had a very traumatic life – the men I married left me and my own children have rejected me too. So…

PISCES 19 FEBRUARY – 20 MARCH Focus on your dreams, goals and desires The Sun moves into your sign, which means you’ll soon celebrate your birthday and start a new year. Whether you want to have a birthday bash with your buddies or opt for a romantic escape with your lover, make the most of your special day. It’s also a good time to set clear intentions and formulate goals for the year ahead. Chances are you’ve got several wishes, dreams and plans you’d like to see bear fruit. YOUR LUCKY NUMBERS 10, 25, 21, 42, 51, 15 ARIES 21 MARCH – 19 APRIL  It’s a week in which to make your words count – and also count your words. This makes it an appropriate time to voice your opinions,…

SEE YOU YESTERDAY Sci-fi thriller. Director Spike Lee (Do the Right Thing, BlacKkKlansman) produced this entertaining and thoughtful teen adventure with a grim edge. It’s basically a version of Back to the Future (1985) – Michael J Fox even puts in a cameo appearance – with Eden Duncan-Smith (Annie) and Danté Crichlow as CJ and Sebastian, the brainy best friends who invent time-travelling backpacks for their high school science expo. When CJ’s brother is gunned down by the police, who mistake him for a robber, the pair travel back in time to prevent his death but wreak havoc with the timeline in the process. 2019. 80 MIN. PG13. A Allages D Drugs H Horror L Language N Nudity P Prejudice PG Parentalguidance S Sex V Violence…

WHAT’S IN A NAME? When he was much younger DJ Snake produced graffiti art, which earned him the moniker Snake because he was able to consistently evade the police. “When I started DJing, everyone called me Snake in my city first. I was like, ‘DJ Snake, okay let’s go for it.’ The name sucks, but it’s too late now.” SOCCER MAD Although he’s quick to say he’s no diva, he does admit to always making one special request when signing up to perform at shows. “They have to make sure I have a soccer ball. I play everywhere, so I need to always have a ball.” NOT A FAN He’s one of the most famous DJs in the world, but there’s one person in his life who’s not crazy about…

We have three signed copies of The Starless Sea to give away. To stand a chance to win, SMS the answer to the question, your name, physical delivery address (not postal address) and phone number to 33150* by 5pm on 27 February. QUESTION What’s the name of the main character in Erin Morgenstern’s new novel? *EACH SMS COSTS R1,50. YOU MUST BE THE REGISTERED USER OF THE CELLPHONE OR HAVE THE OWNER’S PERMISSION TO USE IT TO ENTER THE COMPETITION. THE PRIZE SPONSOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DELIVERING THE PRIZES WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME.…

‘I definitely have days where I say, Why me?’ ‘I’M PETRIFIED.” That’s how she feels about the gruelling road ahead. Chemotherapy, radiation, surgery – all are on the cards now her breast cancer is back. And it’s back with a vengeance. Actress Shannen Doherty was diagnosed with the disease back in 2015 and announced in 2017 that she was in remission and joyously declared she was cancer-free. But the 48-year-old star of Beverly Hills 90210 and Charmed recently revealed she has stage 4 breast cancer, meaning the disease has metastasised or spread to other parts of her body. Shannen opened up about her diagnosis on ABC News, telling the American news channel that it would “come out in a matter of days or a week that I’m stage 4. “I…

SUN, sea, sand and surfboards. When you’re South Africa’s original “surfer chick” where else but the beach would you choose to get married? And it’s on the silvery sands of Still Bay in the Western Cape that model-turned-yoga instructor Roxy Louw will exchange vows with her New Zealand rugby hunk, Sam Barton (both 32), later today. The beach is within Skulpiesbaai Nature Reserve, a pristine piece of paradise which today boasts a cloudless sky as backdrop. A breeze is ruffling the waves a little, keeping the temperature at a comfortable 25°C. The 140 guests, from Cape Town, Johannesburg, New Zealand and Australia, take refuge from the sun under paper umbrellas as they wait for proceedings to begin. Sam, dressed in white with a feather in his long hair, is barefoot…

Miss Universe ZOZIBINI TUNZI was welcomed back home in true South African style – with singing, dancing and gifts. It was the first time the lanky beauty had set foot on home soil after winning the Miss Universe title, visiting Johannesburg and her home villages of Dutywa and Tsolo in the Eastern Cape. Looking breathtaking with her Miss Universe crown on her head, 26-year old Zozi was elated to be home. “The support of my family has been crucial to my success,” she said. “My mother has taught me the importance of remaining kind and humble and always being helpful to those around me. My father has taught me the importance of an education, hard work and discipline. “Most importantly, they have equally moulded me to be who I am…

‘Stability is something I’ve always wanted’– JUSTIN BIEBER JUSTIN BIEBER (25) has released a documentary series, Seasons, on YouTube, which gives fans an inside look at his life – and he makes a few big confessions. 1 He was ‘ashamed’ of his childhood home In the first episode, he visits his old apartment building in his hometown of Stratford in Ontario, Canada, and says when he was younger he used to be ashamed of living there. “Now I’m pulling up in a Range Rover? Would’ve never thought that.” 2 The extent of his drug use In episode five he reveals his drug-taking years were far worse than people thought. “I decided to stop because I was like, dying,” he says. “My security w as coming into my room…

SOURCE: DAILYMAIL.CO.UK…

MY FORTUNE TOLD IN MATRIC I gave in to peer pressure and accompanied a group of giggling schoolgirls to consult a fortune-teller. When my turn came she told me I was dating a boy whom I’d eventually marry. She said his initials comprised double letters of the alphabet, that he was in uniform and that we’d one day have three children – two girls and a boy. My boyfriend’s initials were LL and at the time he was doing his national service. A few years later our marriage was blessed with a son and a daughter. I then had to have an emergency hysterectomy at age 29. When the children were about nine and six, I became a day mother to a newborn girl. As she started walking and talking,…

When loadshedding strikes, grab your tongs . . . it’s time to braai! Whether you use wood or briquettes, the recipes in YOU Best Recipes: Braai are guaranteed to fire up your appetite! There’s a feast of options among our meat, seafood, potjie, kebab and dessert recipes. Try mouthwatering dishes such as stuffed lamb chops with mint pesto, Asian butterflied chicken or spicy pork ribs. Go online at youstore.co.za or contact Johan Terblanche on 021-406-4962 or at johan. terblanche@media24.com to order your copy. Do you have ideas for us? See your writing or news tips in print! Here are the email addresses you need for submitting material for publication. News ideas awessels@media24.com Personal stories web@you.co.za Original jokes chuckles@you.co.za Recipes recipes@you.co.za…

The powers that be at the power utility are constantly beseeching the public to use electricity sparingly. Here are some simple ways to cut down on power usage – and save yourself some money in the process. ■ Turn the thermostat in your geyser down to 55-60ºC. If a 150-litre geyser is heated to this temperature, the water’s temperature drops by just 10ºC. Save money by installing a timer switch so it can be switched on and off at set times rather than keeping it on constantly. ■ Use your stove as little as possible. Smaller appliances, such as electric frying pans or slow cookers, use up to half the energy of ovens. If you do have to use your stove, switch it off five to 10 minutes before the…

IT DOESN’T get any cuter than this. Many kids are a bundle of nerves on their first day of school – but not Azina Mamane. Kitted out in her new dress and shiny new shoes, little pink backpack slung over her shoulders, the five-year-old couldn’t wait to get to class on her first day of Grade 1. And this can-do attitude is already earning big rewards for the plucky schoolgirl, from Lawley in Johannesburg. Adorable Azina was chosen as SA’s cutest Grade 1 learner in a competition run by Pep in conjunction with YOU and our sister magazines, Move! and Drum. Last month, as little ones across South Africa took their first excited – and sometimes tentative – steps into “big school”, readers were invited to choose the cutest Grade…

KNOW THE TYPES 1 "Good-quality chocolate" in a recipe means it contains more than 35% cocoa butter. 2 Bitter or unsweetened cooking chocolate is best for baking and contains 50% cocoa butter. 3 Bitter- and semisweet dark chocolate can also be used in baking. 4 Milk or flavoured chocolate isn’t recommended for chocolate work such as curls or collars. 5 White chocolate contains cocoa butter but not solids. It scorches and burns easily. TEMPERING Tempering chocolate makes it shinier and more spreadable. Method 1: Melt the chocolate in a bowl, then put the bowl in another one filled with cold (not ice) water. Carefully stir the chocolate while it’s cooling. Just before it sets, melt again at 32°C or until the chocolate is smooth and shiny. Method 2: Pour ²/3…

STOCKISTS @HOME 0860-666-674; BLOCK & CHISEL 021-691-0878; CORICRAFT 021-508-6200; ESQUE 0861-037-783; H&M 086-0690-707; KNUS 087-550-7600; MRP HOME 0800-212-535; SHEET STREET 0800-212-535; THE CRAZY STORE 021-505-5500; WEYLANDTS 0860-103-400 WE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO PROVIDE ACCURATE PRICES BUT MISTAKES MAY OCCUR. YOU AND THE SUPPLIERS DO NOT BIND THEMSELVES TO THE PRICES PRINTED HERE.…

IT WAS music to cash-strapped consumers’ ears: another interest rate cut. Now, with rates at the lowest they’ve been in years many people are wondering whether it wouldn’t be a good time to fix the interest rate on their home loans so they’re protected if the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) decides to hike rates again. But before you head to the bank, there are a few things to consider. WHAT ARE FIXED AND VARIABLE  INTEREST RATES? ● When you first take out a home loan, the interest rate is usually by default a variable rate. This rate is linked to the repo rate of the SARB – the rate at which it lends money to commercial banks. In January the SARB announced it was decreasing the repo rate to…

PISCES AT WORK ■ As a boss, they’re gentle and understanding. ■ As an employee, they need guidelines and a clear plan. ■ As a colleague, they have a sympathetic ear for your woes. ■ Their management style is easy-going, with no laying down of the law. ■ Their workspace could be chaotic and in need of order. ■ At the office party, they’re easily led astray by their peers. ■ Their paycheque is drained by charities and donations.…

■ Just Mercy is the first film to adopt an inclusion rider – a contractual provision mandating that underrepresented groups such as women, people of colour and the LGBTQ community be considered for key on-screen and behind-the-scenes jobs. ■ Michael B Jordan is one of the movie’s executive producers. ■ The movie is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, best known for his collaborations with Brie Larson (Short Term 12 and The Glass Castle). The Oscar winner also stars in the movie. ■ Rapper Ice Cube’s oldest son, O’Shea Jackson Jnr (28), has a role as a prisoner on death row.…

THE CURRENT WAR True-life drama. In 1880 brilliant but extremely competitive inventor Thomas Edison (Benedict Cumberbatch) unveils his latest invention, the light bulb, plus the method he’s chosen to use to deliver power to it – direct current (DC). Businessman George Westinghouse (Michael Shannon from The Shape of Water) wants to work with Edison, but he believes alternating current (AC) is the way forward as it’s cheaper to transmit and can be done over longer distances. But Edison feels high-voltage DC is too dangerous and the two become rivals. When electrical engineer Nikola Tesla (Nicholas Hoult) arrives on the scene, the race to light up America and, ultimately, the world is on. This strong lead trio – ably supported by Tom Holland, Katherine Waterston (the Fantastic Beasts movies) and Matthew…

IT’S the kind of success story most aspiring writers can only dream of. Nine years ago few people had ever heard of Erin Morgenstern but with the release of her debut novel, The Night Circus, she became an overnight publishing sensation. How do you follow on from that? Surely the pressure to deliver another smash hit must be unbearable. Back in 2011 when we chatted to the American author she said she had a few ideas for another book but that she was trying to “ignore outside noise and expectations and let it be the novel it wants to be”. Sadly for fans that meant an eight-year wait. But last year their patience was rewarded when her second novel, The Starless Sea, finally hit shelves. We caught up with Erin…

ACK when I was a third- B year medical student, I started thinking about a career in surgery. I can’t say I had any earth-shattering revelation regarding choosing this specialty. I just liked the intensity, the idea that you had to train really hard, but that, eventually, you’d have a really special skill that would allow you to open people up and fix things. I thought surgery was ballsy. For me, it felt like a calling – albeit one that involved a massive commitment: to take someone’s life in your hands and be responsible for what happened next. It felt intoxicating, almost godlike. Now, more than two decades after medical school, I feel the same way. I’ve made thousands – no, millions of decisions about patients, some big, some small,…

She’s already the mom of two busy toddlers – and life is about to get a whole lot crazier for KOULA BUDLER whose due to have another set of twins next month. The former 5FM presenter recently shared snaps on Instagram of her beautiful bump at 30 weeks and 32 weeks, telling her followers to “watch them grow”. Koula and businessman hubby PJ welcomed twins WILLIAM and EMMA (21 months) in May 2018 thanks to successful IVF treatment, after battling to conceive naturally. The 38-year-old DJ has praised her husband for being an “incredible hands-on dad” who adores their kids. The family live in Fort Worth, Texas, in the US and she’s said raising children away from their extended family has been tough. “It’s been a year I’ve desperately missed…

‘The least of my worries is age. We all get old and that’s okay’ – JULIA ROBERTS WHAT a pretty woman! JULIA ROBERTS showed off her enviable figure in a navy bikini during a recent family holiday in Mexico. The 52-year-old Oscar winner looked relaxed and happy as she hung around a hotel pool with hubby DANNY MODER (51), who was later spotted surfing, as well as their three kids, twins Phinneus and Hazel (15) and younger son Henry (12). The mom of three also inadvertently flashed a lower-back tattoo, which on closer inspection turned out to be the names of her kids arranged around her husband’s initials. No doubt the star was taking a break before she gets stuck into her next project, Little Bee, an adaptation of the…

A recent night out in New York turned ugly for JESSICA SIMPSON (39) when she was confronted by a group of anti-fur protesters. The fashion designer and author was leaving a restaurant with her husband, ERIC JOHNSON (40), when she was accosted by the group. Some of them yelled “animal abuser”, “murderer” and “shame on you” as she hopped into her waiting SUV. Earlier that day at her Barnes & Noble book-signing event for her new memoir, Open Book, she’d faced the same group and was forced to take cover for a few minutes while security got rid of the protesters. On the plus side her fans stuck around, chanting her name, and eventually she came back out and talked about her book. SOURCES: TMZ.COM, THEDAILYMAIL.CO.UK, BILLBOARD.COM…

It seems the fight between MEL B and ex STEPHEN BELAFONTE over daughter MADISON (8) is getting worse by the day. The exes currently have joint custody of the child but in court documents filed recently, Stephen (44) is asking for full legal and physical custody, claiming the former Spice Girls singer has “all but abandoned” Madison since moving to the UK following their split. The American producer says he’s been Madison’s sole caregiver for most of the past two years and is happy for Mel (44) to still see her, but only in Los Angeles and only under supervision. His filing comes after Mel had her request to take Madison to the UK for Christmas blocked by the courts, which sided with Stephen. Mel – who’s also mom to…